Tangible: Theology Learned and Lived

The Mudge family is striving to build a grace-focused home where kids aren’t afraid to ask questions. This family of 8 have lived in multiple cultures, both in the United States and in Africa. Join in this conversation between Dr. Ron Mudge, provost at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and his son Isaiah, as they describe living as a Christian family in world that needs Christ.

J.R.R. Tolkien is best known for his fantasy novels “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. While not allegories, the narratives are thick with theology. Join Dr. Charles Arand and Dr. Kent Burreson as they discuss the ways Tolkien weaves eternal truths into his fairy stories.

Join us in a discussion about the Sabbath with systematic professors Dr. Joel Biermann and Dr. Joel Okamoto. Biermann’s newly published book, Day 7: for Work, Rest, or Play, has a unique take on the seventh day and what it means to keep the Sabbath. Don’t miss it!

Dr. Tim Saleska, Old Testament scholar and professor of exegetical theology, explores the book of Ecclesiastes. He presents the idea that Job and Ecclesiastes are better understood in light of each other. “Job asks for an answer to suffering. Ecclesiastes puts us on the edge of meaninglessness,” said Saleska. “They inform each other, both deal with a God who doesn’t seem to care very much about human beings. What do you do with a God like that?” Join us in this frank discussion about human suffering, meaninglessness, and the one who restores all things. 

Dr. Thomas Egger, President of Concordia Seminary and former theology professor, delves into the early chapters of Genesis and their relevance today. He discusses the transition from Elohim to Yahweh, shedding light on God's relational nature. The conversation explores the dual themes of judgment and preservation in the flood, underscoring humanity's need for salvation. Egger emphasizes the hope found in Christ, who breathes life into the dust, and discusses how these foundational stories can strengthen the faith of both the young and the old.

“I think our students would all agree that we are justified by faith, but it doesn't look like they actually believe that,” said Dr. Joel Okamoto, professor of systematic theology. “The critical question is, why does God like me today? Our students are having a particularly hard time, struggling to get there,” said Dr. Robert Kolb, professor emeritus. Join us as we explore the complex and nuanced concepts of faith, righteousness, and salvation!

The wisdom in the book of Job often gets tangled with platitudes of our own making. Which is which? “Job is dealing with the idea of a kind of a suffering that's incomprehensible and he gives us permission to speak very differently to and about God,” said Dr. Tim Saleska, professor of exegetical theology. Join us as Dr. Saleska faces Job head-on.

In this new series of episodes, professors explore the theological impact of their favorite pieces of literature. “Literature can help us to see the transcendent truths of the gospel anew,” said Dr. Ryan Tinetti, professor of Practical Theology. “It can help us deepen our experience, our understanding and our sympathy for folks from all walks of life and experiences,” said Dr. Kent Burreson, professor of Systematic Theology. Join Tinetti and Burreson in a discussion about Willa Cather’s “My Ántonia” and Karen Blixen’s “Babette’s Feast.”

Dr. Leopoldo Sánchez, professor of systematic theology and Dr. Jeff Oschwald, professor of exegetical theology, discuss the role of the Holy Spirit in the Gospel of Luke. “You’ve got to ‘land the dove,’ listening to what the Spirit was doing in the life of Jesus and in our lives,” said Sánchez. “The presence of God is in Jesus in a completely unique way, and yet he draws us into that by the gift of his Spirit to us,” said Oschwald. Join this discussion about Spirit Christology and its impact in our daily lives.

How should the church respond to its declining influence in today’s culture? Join Dr. Chad Lakies and President Emeritus Dr. Dale A. Meyer as they continue the discussion about Lakies’s new book How the Light Shines Through: Resilient Witness in Dark Times.